March 2008: Television shows, etc.

TV show box sets, documentaries and sports. The descriptions are taken mostly from the publicity blurbs.

Doctor Who: Destiny of the Daleks(March 4)

BBC Video, 94 minutes, not rated, $24.98

The Doctor (Tom Baker, “Little Britain”) and the recently regenerated Romana (Lalla Ward, “Rosebud”) arrive on a radioactive planet where it is up to them to discover the truth behind the mysterious Movellans and the terrible treasure sought by the Daleks. Extras: digitally remastered, Davros Connections in-depth commentary, an interview with director Ken Grieve, and audio commentary with Ward, David Gooderson and Grieve.

Doctor Who: Planet of Evil(March 4)

BBC Video, 94 minutes, not rated, $24.98

The Doctor and Sarah Jane (Elizabeth Sladen, “The Sarah Jane Adventures”) answer an intergalactic distress call that takes them to the far-flung planet Zeta Minor. Arriving at the same time as a rescue team, they search for survivors of an earlier expedition. But will anyone be allowed to leave the planet alive? Extras: digitally remastered, two “making of” documentaries, the only surviving behind-the-scenes footage, and audio commentary from actors Baker, Sladen, Prentis Hancock and producer Philip Hinchcliffe.

Human Giant: The Complete First Season(March 4)

MTV, 118 minutes, rated R, $49.98

A collection of recklessly hilarious, fast-paced, hard-hitting short films, Human Giant brings viewers innovative comedy with a distinctive style and direction. First seen online, short clips like “Shutterbugs” and “The Illusionators” have gained a huge cult following. Human Giant has also gained a large audience in the New York comedy club scene through live shows at the underground club Upright Citizens Brigade. Features commentary with Aziz Ansari, Rob Huebel, Paul Scheer, director Jason Woliner and Executive Producer Tom Gianas, deleted and extended/alternate a, scenes, behind the scenes clips, best of the Human Giant: 24 Marathon, 2007 MTV Movie Awards Promos, unaired sketches, sneak previews of Season 2 and live, early footage of characters from the show.

Magnum P.I.: Season 8(March 4)

Universal, 118 minutes, rated R, $29.99

Magnum returns in his eighth and final season of the detective series set in Hawaii. Extras: the syndicated version of the seventh season finale that doesn’t end with Magnum dying; the episode of The Rockford Files that features Tom Selleck in the role that led to him playing Magnum PI.

Originally released as a series of theatrical cartoons, the hilarious Inspector Clouseau and his trusty assistant Sergeant Duex-Deux gained millions of fans with their constant fumbling while solving crime after crime. With a nose for clues, an eye for intrigue and a mind like a steel trap that’s jammed shut, The Inspector sets out to solve Paris’ most puzzling crime mysteries. No extras listed.

Storm Hawks: Heroes of the Sky (March 4)

Sony/Cartoon Network, 282 minutes, not rated, $29.95

In Atmos, thousands of islands of rock, called “Terras” shoot up from the clouds, each housing strange creatures and societies. Their only defense against an evil empire is squadrons of fearless “Sky Knights,” who patrol the roadways and skyways with their incredibly fast and powerful transforming vehicles – shifting gears from easy rider to easy glider. No Sky Knight squad was more legendary then the Storm Hawks – but that was before the dark forces of Cyclonia put them out of commission. Now these five fearless teens have taken up their quest, their gear and their name. Features ten episodes plus three new to DVD episodes. Extras: an exclusive level to the online interactive game “Storm Hawks Squadron” based on the episode “Terra Deep” and a collectible film cell.

Trading Spaces: The Specials(March 4)

Genius, 215 minutes, not rated, $14.95

Four segments of the popular TLC program: “Trading Castles,” “Home Improv,” “Town and Country,” and “Through the Roof.” No extras listed.

Lil’ Bush: Resident of the United States – Season One – Uncensored(March 11)

Comedy Central, 132 minutes, not rated, $19.99

Created by Donick Cary (The Simpsons), the show details the antics of Lil’ George and his Lil’ White House posse, including Lil’ Condi, Lil’ Rummy and that unintelligible, foulmouthed Lil’ Cheney as they tackle all the major playground issues of the day – from illegal immigration to evolution to nuclear war. Featuring cameos from the likes of Iggy Pop, Anthony Kiedis, Flea and Dave Grohl, watch as Lil’ George leads his dream team cabinet to elementary school political glory. Extras: audio commentary on all episodes wit cast, creators, Jerry Springer, Ralph Nader & Tucker Carlson; table read; Lil’ George’s White House Tour; bonus episode “Walter Reed;” interviews with cast and creators.

Last of the Summer Wine: Vintage 1976(March 11)

BBC Video, not rated, $29.98

Britain’s oldest, if not wisest, adolescents uncork a barrelful of laughs and make a toast to life. Peter Sallis (“Wallace and Gromit”), Bill Owen (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) and Brian Wilde (“Microscopic Milton”) star in the world’s longest-running sitcom, which follows the misadventures of three elderly friends tramping around the Yorkshire countryside. Find out if the three friends overcome knee clicks and a wedding for more antics with their demented pals in this “Vintage 1976″ season. Extras: exclusive-to-DVD interview with Sallis and Owen.

Michael Palin: New Europe(March 11)

BBC Video, 413 minutes, not rated, $49.98

Join the award-winning adventurer Michael Palin as he ventures into once forbidden territory — the Iron Curtain — as BBC Video releases to DVD Michael Palin: New Europe. No longer hindered by the Cold War, the former Monty Python star makes his first compelling expedition across the unfamiliar swathe of his own continent. In his four-month journey to 20 fascinating countries, Palin treks nearly 12,000 miles where he partakes in the summer solstice celebrations of the mystical White Brotherhood sect in Bulgaria, revisits a more modernized Estonia, and shares memorable stories with a Holocaust survivor in Terezin. Extras: interview with Michael Palin, over two hours of deleted scenes.

One Foot in the Grave, Seasons 3 and 4(March 11)

BBC Video, 180 minutes, not rated, $34.98 each

The classic British sitcom following the misfortunes of cantankerous senior citizens is back. This hysterical situation comedy features the exploits of Victor Meldrew (Richard Wilson, “Doctor Who”) and his wife Margaret (Annette Crosbie, “Calendar Girls”) in their battle against the trials of modern life. Each season includes the popular Christmas Specials.

South Park: Imaginationland – Uncensored Director’s Cut(March 11)

Comedy Central, 70 minutes, not rated, $19.99

It all begins with Cartman’s quest to find a leprechaun and in turn win a bet with Kyle. The boys have just arrived in Imaginationland – a wondrous, magical place – when terrorists attack, unleashing all of mankind’s evil imaginary forces upon the world. With imaginations running wild, the government steps in and prepares to nuke Imaginationland. Meanwhile, Kyle pleads with the Pentagon for his friends’ lives and Cartman goes all the way to the Supreme Court to get justice. Extras: extended footage, two episodes, “Woodland Critters Christmas” and “Manbearpig;” storyboards; and commentary from creators Matt Stone & Trey Parker.

Battlestar Galactica: Season Three(March 18)

Universal, 957 minutes, not rated, $59.98

Probably the most anticipated TV series DVD this month. The Colonies’ survivors have found their hopes of eluding their Cylon pursuers dashed by an invasion and occupation of their new home. As the fate of all human life hangs in the balance, friends become enemies, enemies become unexpected allies, and decisions are made that will haunt some people for the rest of their lives. Extras: Extended DVD-only version of “Unfinished Business;” deleted scenes; podcast commentaries from Ronald Moore; video blogs from David Eick.

BET Hip Hop AwardS 2007(March 18)

BET, 87 minutes, not rated, $19.99

BET show pays homage to urban music artists at the top of their game. Hold on to your seats because BET is back in “hotlanta” with veteran host actor/comedian Katt Williams, who delivered a high energy show filled with hot performances by the best in the business! Performers include Nelly, Lil’ Wayne, Kanye West, Common, and more. Extras: TI’s rehearsal performance.

Greek: Season One-Chapter One(March 18)

Disney, 445 minutes, not rated, $29.99

Term begins with the students of Cyprus-Rhodes University as they navigate the social minefield of college life in the original hilarious series, Greek. Join Casey, a sorority social climber during her quest for President of Zeta Beta Zeta. Casey’s world begins to spin out of control when she finds herself in the middle of a love triangle between her ex-boyfriend Cappie, a fifth year slacker, and Evan, the handsome president of the top fraternity on campus. To top it off, her nerdy little brother Rusty is about to destroy her reputation as he tries to join Evan’s fraternity and finally make the transformation from geek to Greek. Extras: deleted scenes, audio commentaries, featurette “Greek: The Initiation,” and a sneak peek at Season 2.

The Invisible Man.: Season One(March 4)

Universal, 1055 minutes, not rated, $59.98

Faced with either jail or becoming a test subject, con man Darian Fawkes (Vincent Ventresca) reluctantly agrees to undergo a procedure that will make him invisible, but has the potential to cause madness. Now he’s a super spy for the “Agency.” Loosely based on H.G. Wells’ famous story. Extras: director commentary, interviews, bonus episode from season two.

Party of Five: The Complete Third Season(March 25)

Sony, 1175 minutes, not rated, $39.95

This 25-episode season presents a whole new set of life-changing and soul-searching moments. Some of the emotional roller-coaster issues include the unpleasant consequences of Kristin losing her Ph.D. after plagiarizing; Charlie’s realization that the good old days of high school might have been more old than good;. and Julia dealing with her guilt after a friend’s suicide. In addition, Claudia authorizes a $3,000 plumbing repair, and the family bands together to help Bailey confront his drinking problem. Extras: two “minisodes.”

Sliders: The Complete Fourth Season(March 4)

Universal, 992 minutes, not rated, $59.98

Fourth season of alternate reality science-fiction series. Guest stars include Adreienne Barbeau, Shane West and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. No extras listed.

Documentary

My Kid Could Paint That(March 4)

Sony, 82 minutes, rated PG-13, $24.96

In this thought-provoking documentary, Director Amir-Bar-Lev tracks the overnight celebrity of little Marla Olmstead, a toddler who creates gallery-worthy paintings on the dining room table of her family home. A media sensation by the age of four, critics compare her work with Jackson Pollock’s. Sales of her paintings reach $300,000. But, sadly, the bubble bursts. When a 2005 profile by “60 Minutes” suggests that Marla had help making her paintings, the finger is pointed at her father, an amateur artist and night manager at Frito Lay. Almost overnight, her family is ensnared in a web of accusation and denial – with the burden of proof placed squarely in their lap: Is Marla a child prodigy or an innocent victim of a hoax? Extras: “Back to Binghamton” – a mini-doc with Director Amir Bar-Lev that includes follow-up interviews, Sundance Q & A, Binghamton Q & A, deleted scenes, etc.; “Kimmelman on Art” – a mini-doc with the New York Times art critic.

Jimmy Carter: Man From Plains(March 18)

Sony, 125 minutes, rated PG, $24.96

Embarking on a national publicity tour to promote his new book, “Palestine Peace Not Apartheid,” former US president Jimmy Carter ignites an international firestorm of controversy when he argues that only Israel’s complete withdrawal from the occupied territories can bring lasting peace to the Middle East. A candid portrait of a Nobel Prize-winning humanitarian and statesman whose compassion and steadfast sense of justice remains undiminished by time. Extras: Director’s commentary, deleted scenes, soundtrack recording sessions.

Sports

Steep

Sony, 90 minutes, rated PG

Standard DVD: $26.96 (March 18)

Blu-Ray: $34.99 (March 25)

The world’s best skiers go beyond their dreams to conquer the steepest runs ever faced. From the sheer cliffs of Grand Teton, to the treachery of Chamonix, France, to the untouched Alaskan peaks of Valdez, these “extremers” sacrifice their lives for a thrill – but what a thrill it is. Fantastically beautiful images of the most magnificent peaks on the globe – along with devastating avalanches and fatal spills – only serve to push them harder. But you’re about to discover not everyone who goes up the mountain returns. Extras: director’s commentary; interviews, photos.